Electronically controlled scent producing element

ABSTRACT

An electronically controlled scent producing element ( 800 ) constituted of: a plate ( 860 ) exhibiting a plurality of perforations extending from a first face of the plate to a second face of the plate opposing the first face; a plurality of micro-plugs ( 870 ) juxtaposed with the plate ( 860 ), each of the plurality of micro-plugs ( 870 ) extending longitudinally from a base end to a tip end, and arranged to mate with one of the plurality of perforations; a translation mechanism in communication with one of the plate ( 820, 860 ) and the plurality of micro-plugs ( 870 ); and a vibrator in communication with at least one of the plate ( 820, 860 ) and the plurality of micro-plugs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/143,283 filed Jan. 8, 2009, entitled “Method and Apparatusfor Computer Controlled Scent Delivery”, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the field of electronicallycontrolled scent production, and more particularly to an apparatusexhibiting an ultrasonic micro-plug unit.

BACKGROUND

Video games, particularly computer based games and game stations, havebecome extremely popular. The combination of visual and audiostimulation has succeeded in capturing a significant portion of people'sleisure time. Various games have been developed, with associatedhardware, that further involve the sense of touch, by allowing forvarying input instruments. In one example, a musical instrument such asa mock guitar, is utilized as a game input, thus involving the sense oftouch.

Games have been developed providing for a virtual reality world, againbased on stimulating various user senses. However, to date, theremaining senses, namely smell and taste have not been stimulated.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,041 issued Dec. 2, 2003 to Kaminkow et al, theentire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, providesfor a method and apparatus for emulating a storm as part of a gamingdevice, preferably as a topper unit including a blower to create an airstream, an illumination source to emulate lightning, and a sound cardarranged to transmit thunder. Thus, the sense of touch is stimulated, inaddition to the sense of hearing and seeing.

U.S. Patent Application Publication S/N 2008/0043204 published Feb. 21,2008 to Guo, is addressed to a digital scent movie projector with soundchannels. Scent making devices release a scent into a cinema, therebyproviding for film arts to provide a sense of sight, hearing and smellas part of movie.

A movie proceeds along a predetermined script, which does not allow foruser interaction. Thus, the scent to be provided by Guo, arepredetermined, and are not subject to change by a user action.Additionally, scent provided by Guo is arranged for releasing scent intoa large space, which is not appropriate for an individual playing acomputer game.

An additional problem with many prior art solutions is residual scent;particularly the scent continues to linger for a relatively long periodafter the desired emission. Residual scent is particularly problematicin the case of individual computer garners, which often play inundisturbed spaces, where scents easily linger. In particular, anyphysical element which has been contacted by a concentration of scentmolecules continues to exude the scent. The residual scent furthercontaminates additional scents, which may need to be rapidly emitted inline with progress of the game.

World Intellectual Property Organization publication WO 02/32470 A1published 25 Apr. 2002 to SENEIT, Inc. is addressed to an apparatus foremitting an odor. Unfortunately, the apparatus as described suffersgreatly from the aforementioned residual scent, as scent molecules aredeposited along the enclosed spaces of scented air travel.

Various nebulizer schemes are known to the prior art, including placinga vibrating fine mesh in contact with a liquid to be nebulized. The meshtypically is arranged to be sufficiently fine so as to block any flow ofthe liquid and is vibrated, typically at ultrasonic frequencies, therebyatomizing the liquid. Unfortunately, such a scheme suffers from certaindrawbacks, such as spontaneous scent leakage since there is no means toprevent spontaneous release of volatile vapors via the mesh opening.Furthermore any molecules adhering to the mesh walls may be releasedwithout further vibration, further leading to residual scents.Additionally, there is a tendency for the fine mesh to become blocked bythe aromatic molecules adhering to the mesh openings. Furthermore, themesh aperture which is fixed in size is designed for a particularmolecule size and viscosity, and a particular fixed mesh based nebulizercan not be used for a plurality of liquids having a range of viscositywithout changing the fixed mesh.

U.S. Patent Application Publication S/N 2007/0189919 published Aug. 17,2007 to Prince et al, the entire contents of which is incorporatedherein by reference, is addressed to a method for cleaning a medicamentfrom a portion of a nebulizer. In particular, the above mentionedapplication is addressed to the problem of prior art mesh basednebulizers becoming occluded.

Thus, there is a need for an electronically controlled nebulizeraddressing the issue of residual scent and arranged to avoid occlusion.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toovercome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art. This isaccomplished in certain embodiments by providing an electronicallycontrolled scent producing element comprising: a plate exhibiting aplurality of perforations extending from a first face of the plate to asecond face of the plate opposing the first face; a volatile scentliquid in physical contact with the first face of the plate; a pluralityof micro-plugs juxtaposed with the plate, each of the plurality ofmicro-plugs extending longitudinally from a base end to a tip end, andarranged to mate with one of the plurality of perforations; atranslation mechanism in communication with one of the plate and theplurality of micro-plugs, the translation mechanism arranged totranslate the plurality of micro-plugs in relation to the plate from afirst position wherein each of the plurality of micro-plugs is seatedflush within a respective one of the plurality of the perforations to asecond position wherein each of the plurality of micro-plugs is at leastpartially removed from a wall of the respective one of the plurality ofperforations; and a vibrator in communication with at least one of theplate and the plurality of micro-plugs.

In one further embodiment the plurality of micro-plugs seated in thefirst position prevents the flow of the volatile scent liquid from thefirst face of the plate to the second face of the plate. In anotherfurther embodiment each of the plurality of micro-plugs exhibits agenerally conically shaped taper towards the tip end. In one yet furtherembodiment each of the plurality of perforations are generally conicallyshaped, the base of the generally conically shaped plurality ofperforations facing the base end of the plurality of micro-plugs. Inanother yet further embodiment each of the plurality of perforationsexhibits a diameter of about 30 microns at the second face.

In one further embodiment the plurality of micro-plugs exhibits a shapearranged to form a ring shaped droplet towards the tip ends when theplurality of micro-plugs in relation to the plate is in the secondposition. In another further embodiment the translation mechanism andthe vibrator are constituted of a single piezoelectric element.

In one further embodiment the vibrator is only in communication with theplurality of micro-plugs. In one yet further embodiment, theelectronically controlled scent producing element further comprises adriver in communication with the translation mechanism and the vibrator,the driver arranged to translate, via the translation mechanism, theplurality of micro-plugs to the first position and vibrate the vibratorwhile the plurality of micro-plugs are in the first position, therebyultrasonically cleaning the second face of the plate and the tip ends ofthe plurality of micro-plugs.

In one further embodiment the electronically controlled scent producingelement further comprises a driver in communication with the translationmechanism and the vibrator, the driver arranged to translate, via thetranslation mechanism, the plurality of micro-plugs to the secondposition and vibrate the vibrator while the plurality of micro-plugs arein the second position, thereby atomizing the volatile scent liquid. Inone yet further embodiment the driver is further arranged to detect anelectrical characteristic of the vibrator, and in the event theelectrical characteristic meets a predetermined value, output a signalindicative of the absence of the volatile scent liquid.

Independently the embodiments further provide for a method ofelectronically controlled scent production, the method comprising:providing a plate exhibiting a plurality of perforations extending froma first face of the provided plate to a second face of the providedplate opposing the first face; providing a volatile scent liquid inphysical contact with the first face of the provided plate; providing aplurality of micro-plugs juxtaposed with the provided plate, each of theprovided plurality of micro-plugs extending longitudinally from a baseend to a tip end, and arranged to mate with one of the plurality ofperforations; translating the provided plurality of micro-plugs inrelation to the provided plate from a first position wherein each of theprovided plurality of micro-plugs is seated flush within a respectiveone of the plurality of perforations to a second position wherein eachof the provided plurality of micro-plugs is at least partially removedfrom a wall of the respective one of the plurality of perforations; andvibrating at least one of the provided plate and the provided pluralityof micro-plugs with ultrasonic energy to thereby produce a scent.

In one further embodiment the provided plurality of micro-plugs seatedin the first position prevents the flow of the provided volatile scentliquid from the first face of the provided plate to the second face ofthe provided plate. In another further embodiment each of the providedplurality of micro-plugs exhibits a generally conically shaped tapertowards the tip end. In one yet further embodiment each of the pluralityof perforations are generally conically shaped, the base of the providedgenerally conically shaped plurality of perforations facing the base endof the provided plurality of micro-plugs. In yet another furtherembodiment each of the plurality of perforations exhibits a diameter ofabout 30 microns at the second face.

In one further embodiment the translating and the vibrating areperformed by a single piezoelectric element. In another furtherembodiment, the vibrating is only of the provided plurality ofmicro-plugs. In one yet further embodiment, the method further comprisesultrasonically cleaning the second face of the plate and the tip ends ofthe provided plurality of micro-plugs by translating the providedplurality of micro-plugs to the first position and vibrating theprovided plurality of micro-plugs in the first position.

In one further embodiment the vibrating is accomplished by a vibrator,and further comprising: automatically detecting an electricalcharacteristic of the vibrator; and in the event the electricalcharacteristic meets a predetermined value, outputting a signalindicative of the absence of the provided volatile scent liquid. In oneyet further embodiment the vibrating is at a frequency associated withthe natural resonant frequency of the vibrator and the vibrated at leastone of the provided plate and the provided plurality of micro-plugs. Inone further embodiment, the method further comprises forming ring shapeddroplets towards the tip ends when the provided plurality of micro-plugsin relation to the provided plate is translated to the second position.

Independently the embodiments further provide for an ultrasonicmicro-micro-plug based nebulizer comprising: a plate exhibiting aplurality of perforations extending from a first face of the plate to asecond face of the plate opposing the first face; a plurality ofmicro-plugs juxtaposed with the plate, each of the plurality ofmicro-plugs extending longitudinally from a base end to a tip end, andarranged to mate with one of the plurality of perforations; atranslation mechanism in communication with one of the plate and theplurality of micro-plugs, the translation mechanism arranged totranslate the plurality of micro-plugs in relation to the plate from afirst position wherein each of the plurality of micro-plugs is seatedflush within a respective one of the plurality of the perforations to asecond position wherein each of the plurality of micro-plugs is at leastpartially removed from a wall of the respective one of the plurality ofperforations; and a vibrator in communication with at least one of theplate and the plurality of micro-plugs. Preferably, a liquid is placedin physical contact with the first face of the plate.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various embodiments of the invention andto show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now bemade, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in whichlike numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressedthat the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, noattempt is made to show structural details of the invention in moredetail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of theinvention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent tothose skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may beembodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1J illustrate various views of an exemplary embodiment of anelectronically controlled scent producing element comprising a pluralityof micro-plugs and a perforated plate juxtaposed with the plurality ofmicro-plugs, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a first alternative embodiment for the scentproducing element of FIG. 1A, in which a separate translation mechanismand vibrator are supplied in a stacked manner, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a second alternative embodiment for the scentproducing element of FIG. 1A, in which a separate translation mechanismand vibrator are supplied in disparate locations, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a third alternative embodiment for the scentproducing element of FIG. 1A, in which a separate translation mechanismand vibrator are supplied, the vibrator arranged to vibrate only theperforated plate, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a high level schematic diagram of a driving circuituseable with scent producing element 800 of any of FIGS. 1A-4C; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a high level flow chart of the operation of controlcircuit of FIG. 5, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and the arrangement of the components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIGS. 1A-1J illustrate various exploded views of an exemplary embodimentof an electronically controlled scent producing element 800, the viewsbeing described taken together. Electronically controlled scentproducing element 800 may be used in place of electronically controlledscent producing element 130, or independently, without exceeding thescope. Electronically controlled scent producing element 800 may befurther be used to nebulize, or atomize, any liquid, such as amedicament, without exceeding the scope. In particular, FIG. 1Aillustrates an isometric view of electronically controlled scentproducing element 800; FIG. 1B illustrates a more detailed view of a topportion of electronically controlled scent producing element 800 of FIG.1A; FIG. 1C illustrates an isometric cut away view of electronicallycontrolled scent producing element 800; FIG. 1D illustrates a moredetailed view of the top portion of FIG. 1B; FIG. 1E illustrates a firstexploded view of electronically controlled scent producing element 800;FIG. 1F illustrates a second exploded view of electronically controlledscent producing element 800; FIG. 1G illustrates a first position forcertain portions of electronically controlled scent producing element800; FIG. 1H illustrates a second position for certain portions ofelectronically controlled scent producing element 800; FIG. 1Iillustrates a highly detailed view of the perforations and plugs ofelectronically controlled scent producing element 800; and FIG. 1Jillustrates the resultant shape of scent producing liquid droplets, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Electronically controlled scent producing element 800 comprises: acontainer 805; a lower reservoir 810; a unidirectional flow membrane815; an upper reservoir 816; a sealing ring 818; a plug base 820; afirst electrode 830; a piezoelectric element 840; a second electrode850; and a plate 860. Plate 860 exhibits a plurality of perforations 880extending from first face 882 to second face 884. Plug base 820 exhibitsa plurality of pass through channels 890, and a plurality of micro-plugs870 extending longitudinally from a base portion attached to plug base820 to a tip end 875, with each plug arranged to mate with a respectiveone of perforations 880. Preferably, a portion of each plug 870, andparticularly the portion extending through perforations 880 areconically shaped with an apex extending away from plug base 820.Perforations 880 are preferably similarly conically shaped, such thatwhen plug base 820 is brought to its closest position in relation tofirst face 882, micro-plugs 870 are seated flush against the inner wallsof the respective perforation 880. Preferably, perforations 880 exhibita diameter of about 30 microns at first face 882, matching the diameterof micro-plugs 870 when completely seated therein. The space createdtowards second face 884 when each micro-plug 870 is separated from therespective perforation 880 is denoted space 895, and a ring shapeddroplet 897 of volatile scent liquid is formed by the shape of plug 870in proximity of second face 884.

Sealing ring 818 is provided of a compliant material so as to form aseal against liquid, in particular a volatile scent liquid.Unidirectional flow membrane 815, in cooperation with container 805,forms lower reservoir 810. Unidirectional flow membrane 815, incooperation with plug base 820, forms upper reservoir 816. Inparticular, unidirectional flow membrane 815 defines the top of lowerreservoir 810 and the bottom of upper reservoir 816. The top of upperreservoir 816 is defined by one end of plug base 820 in particular theside not exhibiting micro-plugs 870. First electrode 830 is placed atone side of piezoelectric element 840, in electrical contact therewith,and in physical contact with plug base 820, in particular the side ofplug base 820 exhibiting micro-plugs 870. Piezoelectric element 840 ispreferably a ring shaped element, and second electrode 850 is placed onthe second side of piezoelectric element 840, in electrical contacttherewith. Plate 860 is placed in physical contact with second electrode850, and in one embodiment is secured thereto with an adhesive toprevent the escape of plate 860. Face 882 of plate 860 is juxtaposedwith plug base 820 such that each micro-plug 870 extends into a matchingperforation 880. The combination of micro-plugs 870 and perforations 880forms an ultrasonic micro plug unit.

In a first mode of operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 1G and 1H, a lowfrequency electric power is applied to piezoelectric element 840, and inresponse piezoelectric element 840 expands, separating plug base 820from plate 860 shown in FIG. 1G as being in closest proximity, to aseparated position as illustrated in FIG. 1H-1J. After expansion, anadditional high frequency electrical power is further supplied,superimposed on the low frequency electrical power, vibratingpiezoelectric element 840. In an exemplary embodiment the high frequencyelectrical power exhibits a frequency range of 150-200 kHz, however thisis not meant to be limiting in any way. The preferred conical shape ofmicro-plugs 870 function to focus the acoustical energy supplied bypiezoelectric element 840 towards tip ends 875, thereby atomizing anyvolatile scent liquid in contact with micro-plugs 870 and withinperforations 880 so as to be scented distal of second face 884.Advantageously, the conical shape of micro-plugs 870 forms ring shapeddroplet 897, which requires a reduced amount of energy to atomize, ornebulize, when compared to a standard droplet of volatile scent liquid.Advantageously, the amount of separation between plug base 820 and plate860 may be varied responsive to the viscosity of the liquid beingatomized or nebulized thus varying the dimensions of the ring shapedaperture produced by micro-plugs 870 in cooperation with perforations880, and thus a single ultrasonic micro-plug unit may be utilized forliquids having a wide range of viscosity without being blocked.

In a second mode of operation, electrical power is disconnected frompiezoelectric element 840, and in response piezoelectric element 840contracts bringing plug base 820 into closer proximity with plate 860until micro-plugs 870 are seated flush within perforations 880, i.e. aclosed position, thus sealing the volatile scent liquid from second face884, and preventing any further scent from being experienced distal ofsecond face 884. The particular conical shape mentioned above results ina complete seal, which is preferred for use with a volatile scentliquid, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In anotherembodiment a complete seal is not required in the second mode, but onlythat the plurality of micro-plugs travel sufficiently throughperforations 880 to ensure that no residual liquid remains withinperforations 880 to prevent occlusion.

In a third mode of operation, while micro-plugs 870 are seated flushwithin perforations 880, a medium to high frequency electrical power, inone non-limiting embodiment being from 40 kHz to 400 kHz, is supplied topiezoelectric element 840, thus vibrating the combination of plate 860and micro-plugs 870. Any residual volatile scent on tip ends 875 andsecond face 884 is promptly atomized, or nebulized, and removed thuscompletely ceasing scent production.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a first alternative embodiment forelectronically controlled scent producing element 800, in which aplurality of elements 840 are supplied in a stacked manner, a firstelement being a translation mechanism 840A and a second element being avibrator 840B. In particular, a pair of piezoelectric elements isprovided, each provided with a pair of electrodes, and physicallystacked. Translation mechanism 840A translates plug base 820 in relationto plate 860 between a first closed position, as shown in FIG. 2A,wherein plug base 820 is proximate plate 860 to a second open positionas shown in FIG. 2B, wherein plug base 820 is removed from plate 860.Vibrator 840B operates as described above to vibrate plug base 820 andplate 860 thereby controllably producing a scent. The combination ofmicro-plugs 870 and perforations 880 forms an ultrasonic micro-plugunit.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a second alternative embodiment forelectronically controlled scent producing element 800, in which aplurality of elements 840 are supplied, a first element being atranslation mechanism 840A and a second element being a vibrator 840B,in which plate 860 is fixed, and vibration energy is supplied only toplug base 820. FIG. 3A illustrates a cut away view of the secondalternative embodiment, FIG. 3B illustrates the second alternativeembodiment in a closed position wherein plug base 820 is proximate plate860, and FIG. 3C illustrates the second alternative embodiment in anopen position wherein plug base 820 is removed from plate 860.

In particular, plurality of elements 840 is a pair of piezoelectricelements, each provided with a pair of electrodes. Translation mechanism840A is in communication with plate 860 and is seated against a rim ofthe container. Vibrator 840B is in communication with plug base 820 andmechanically isolated from plate 860. The combination of micro-plugs 870and perforations 880 forms an ultrasonic micro-plug unit.

In a first mode of operation a low frequency electric power is appliedto translation mechanism 840A, and in response translation mechanism840A expands, separating plate 860 from base plate 820, particular byseparating plate 860 from the rim of container 805. A high frequencyelectrical power is further supplied to vibrator 840B thus vibratingmicro-plugs 870. Micro-plugs 870, exhibiting the preferred conicalshape, act as a micro-acoustic lens, breaking the volatile second liquidreceived via pass through channels 890 into micro-drops, thus atomizingany volatile scent liquid in contact with micro-plugs 870 and withinperforations 880 so as to be scented distal of second face 884.Advantageously, as described above in relation to FIGS. 1I-1J, the shapeof micro-plugs 870 are arranged to form ring shaped droplet 897, whichrequires a reduced amount of energy to atomize, or nebulize, whencompared to a standard droplet of volatile scent liquid. In an exemplaryembodiment the high frequency electrical power exhibits a frequencyrange of 150-200 kHz, however this is not meant to be limiting in anyway. Advantageously, the amount of separation between plug base 820 andplate 860 may be varied responsive to the viscosity of the liquid beingatomized or nebulized thus varying the dimensions of the ring shapedaperture produced by micro-plugs 870 in cooperation with perforations880, and thus a single ultrasonic micro-plug unit may be utilized forliquids having a wide range of viscosity without being blocked.

In a second mode of operation, electrical power is disconnected fromtranslation mechanism 840A, and in response translation mechanism 840Acontracts bringing plate 860 into closer proximity with plug base 820until micro-plugs 870 are seated flush within perforations 880, i.e. aclosed position, thus sealing the volatile scent liquid from second face884, and preventing any further scent from being experienced distal ofsecond face 884. The particular conical shape mentioned above results ina complete seal, which is preferred for use with a volatile scentliquid, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In anotherembodiment a complete seal is not required in the second mode, but onlythat the plurality of micro-plugs travel sufficiently throughperforations 880 to ensure that no residual liquid remains withinperforations 880 to prevent occlusion.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a third alternative embodiment for electronicallycontrolled scent producing element 800, in which a plurality of elements840 are supplied, a first element being a translation mechanism 840A anda second element being a vibrator 840B, in which vibration energy issupplied only to plate 820 via a member 910 passing throughunidirectional flow membrane 815. FIG. 4A illustrates a cut away view ofthe third alternative embodiment, FIG. 4B illustrates the thirdalternative embodiment in a closed position wherein plug base 820 isproximate plate 860, and FIG. 4C illustrates the third alternativeembodiment in an open position wherein the plate 860 is moved from theplug base 820. A sealing ring 818 is further supplied providing a sealbetween plate 860 and a flange 915 connected to the walls ofelectronically controlled scent producing element 800.

In particular, plurality of elements 840, particularly translationmechanism 840A and vibrator 840B, is a pair of piezoelectric elements,each provided with a pair of electrodes. Translation mechanism 840A andvibrator 840B are each in contact with plate 860 via member 910.Vibrator 840B is mechanically isolated from plug base 820.

In a first mode of operation a low frequency electric power is appliedto translation mechanism 840A, and in response translation mechanism840A expands, separating plate 860 from base plate 820 of micro-plugs870, to a scent producing position. A high frequency electrical power isfurther supplied to vibrator 840B thus vibrating plate 860 and atomizingliquid in contact with first face 882. In an exemplary embodiment thehigh frequency electrical power exhibits a frequency range of 150-200kHz, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way.Advantageously, the amount of separation between plug base 820 and plate860 may be varied responsive to the viscosity of the liquid beingatomized or nebulized thus varying the dimensions of the ring shapedaperture produced by micro-plugs 870 in cooperation with perforations880, and thus a single ultrasonic micro-plug unit may be utilized forliquids having a wide range of viscosity without being blocked.

In a second mode of operation, electrical power is disconnected from, orsupplied inverted to, translation mechanism 840A, and in responsetranslation mechanism 840A contracts, bringing plate 860 into closerproximity with plug base 820 until micro-plugs 870 are seated flushwithin perforations 880, i.e. a closed position, thus sealing thevolatile scent liquid from second face 884, and preventing any furtherscent from being experienced distal of second face 884. The particularconical shape mentioned above results in a complete seal, which ispreferred for use with a volatile scent liquid, however this is notmeant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment a complete sealis not required in the second mode, but only that the plurality ofmicro-plugs travel sufficiently through perforations 880 to ensure thatno residual liquid remains within perforations 880 to prevent occlusion.

In a third mode of operation, while micro-plugs 870 are seated flushwithin perforations 880, a medium to high frequency electrical power, inone non-limiting embodiment being from 40 kHz to 400 kHz, is supplied topiezoelectric element 840, thus vibrating the combination of plate 860and micro-plugs 870. Any residual volatile scent on tip ends 875 andsecond face 884 is promptly atomized, or nebulized, and removed thuscompletely ceasing scent production.

FIG. 5 illustrates a high level schematic diagram of a driving circuituseable with electronically controlled scent producing element 800 ofFIGS. 1A-4C, comprising a pulse generator 950, a driver 960, a firstpiezoelectric element 840A and a second piezoelectric element 840B, anelectrical characteristic sense circuit 970 and control circuit 980.Pulse generator 950 preferably comprises a low frequency functionality952, a high frequency functionality 954 and an ultrasonic cleaningfunctionality 956. Control circuit 980 is in communication with each ofpulse generator 950, driver 960 and electrical characteristic sensecircuit 970. The output of pulse generator 950, which may comprise aplurality of outputs as illustrated, is connected via driver 960, to afirst contact of each of first piezoelectric element 840A and secondpiezoelectric element 840B, respectively. The second contact of each offirst piezoelectric element 840A and second piezoelectric element 840B,are respectively to electrical characteristic sense circuit 970, whichmay comprise a sense resistor and a comparator arranged to compare thevoltage drop across the sense resistor with a value supplied by controlcircuit 980. In the event that a single piezoelectric element 840 isprovided, one of pulse generator 950 and driver 960 are arranged toprovide a combined signal to piezoelectric element 840. Alternately, asdescribed above, a pair of electrodes are supplied at each end of thesingle piezoelectric element 840, a first of the pair of electrodesresponsive to low frequency functionality 952 and a second of the pairof electrodes responsive to high frequency functionality 954.

In operation, and as described above, control circuit 980 operates lowfrequency functionality 952 to generate a low frequency electricalpower, which is driven towards piezoelectric element 840 by driver 960,and is operative, for example, to separate plate 860 from base plate820. High frequency functionality 954 is arranged to vibrate one or moreof plate 860 and base plate 820. In particular modes, responsive tocontrol circuit 980, ultrasonic cleaning functionality 956 is operativein the absence of both low frequency electrical power from low frequencyfunctionality 952 and high frequency electrical power from highfrequency functionality 954 to perform ultrasonic cleaning by providingvibrating energy to base plate 820 and plate 860 while seated flush.

Control circuit 980 is further operative to monitor at least oneelectrical characteristic of piezoelectric element 840 in combinationwith the vibrated elements, via electrical characteristic sense circuit970. In a first mode of operation, the natural resonant frequency ofpiezoelectric element 840 in combination with the vibrated elements isfound by sweeping, or stepping through, a range of frequencies. Thenatural frequency exhibits the lowest resistance to electrical currentflow, and thus by monitoring the amount of current flow throughpiezoelectric element 840 responsive to high frequency functionality954, the natural resonant frequency of piezoelectric element 840 incombination with the vibrated elements is found. In the event that thenatural resonant frequency does not match an integer function offrequencies supplied by high frequency functionality 954, in oneembodiment the frequency is toggled between one just above and justbelow the natural resonant frequency to achieve an average of thenatural resonant frequency.

The natural resonant frequency is a function of liquid volume incommunication with piezoelectric element 840, the vibrated elements,temperature and age of piezoelectric element 840. Thus, in the eventthat the found natural resonant frequency is indicative, due to theparameters being outside of a predetermined range, that an insufficientamount of volatile scent liquid is in communication with piezoelectricelement 840, control circuit 980 is operative to assert a low liquidalarm signal.

FIG. 6 illustrates a high level flow chart of the operation of controlcircuit 980 of FIG. 12, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Instage 3000, a protocol is loaded by control circuit 980, preferablycomprising a target frequency for low frequency functionality 952, atarget frequency for high frequency functionality 954, a drivingamplitude for driver 960, a length of time for operation, an operationmode and a low fluid alarm condition. In one non-limiting example, ascent producing protocol comprises a low frequency target value of 50Hz, a low frequency amplitude of 20V, a high frequency target value of159 kHz, a high frequency amplitude of 30V, a length of time of 2seconds, and a pulsed mode of operation. In one non-limiting example, acleaning protocol comprises a low frequency target value of 0 Hz, a lowfrequency amplitude of 0V, a high frequency target value of 50 kHz, ahigh frequency amplitude of 25V, a length of time of 6 seconds, and acontinuous mode of operation. As described above the amplitude of driver960 may be set for electrical power responsive to low frequencyfunctionality 952, thus the amount of separation between plug base 820and plate 860 may be varied responsive to the viscosity of the liquidbeing atomized or nebulized, and thus a single ultrasonic micro-plugunit may be utilized for liquids having a wide range of viscositywithout being blocked.

In stage 3010, control circuit 980 is operative to separate plate 860from plug base 820 by operating a translation mechanism. In an exemplaryembodiment, the translation mechanism is a piezoelectric element 840Awith a signal responsive to low frequency functionality 952. Theamplitude of the low frequency signal is controlled by driver 960responsive to the loaded protocol of stage 3000.

In stage 3020, the natural frequency of vibration is found and thefrequency of vibration being driven by pulse generator 950, and inparticular by high frequency functionality 954 is modified to match thenatural frequency of vibration, by sweeping or steeping above and belowthe loaded high frequency target frequency of stage 3000. In the eventthat the natural resonant frequency does not match an integer functionof frequencies supplied by high frequency functionality 954, in oneembodiment the frequency is toggled between one just above and justbelow the natural resonant frequency to achieve an average of thenatural resonant frequency.

In stage 3030, the electrical characteristic at the found naturalfrequency of vibration is compared with a predetermined range loaded aspart of the protocol of stage 3000. In the event that the found naturalfrequency of vibration, or the electrical characteristic at the foundnatural frequency of vibration, is not with the predetermined range, butis instead indicative of a lack of volatile scent liquid an out of fluidalarm signal is asserted.

In stage 3040, at least one of plug base 820 and plate 860 is vibratedat the found natural frequency of stage 3020, in accordance with theoperation mode and length of time of operation, loaded as part of theprotocol of stage 3000.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable sub-combination.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methodssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods aredescribed herein.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Incase of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, willprevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples areillustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention isdefined by the appended claims and includes both combinations andsub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as wellas variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to personsskilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

I claim:
 1. An electronically controlled scent producing elementcomprising: a plate exhibiting a plurality of perforations extendingfrom a first face of said plate to a second face of said plate opposingsaid first face; a volatile scent liquid in physical contact with saidfirst face of said plate; a plurality of micro-plugs juxtaposed withsaid plate, each of said plurality of micro-plugs extendinglongitudinally from a base end to a tip end, and arranged to mate withone of said plurality of perforations; a translation mechanism incommunication with one of said plate and said plurality of micro-plugs,said translation mechanism arranged to translate said plurality ofmicro-plugs in relation to said plate from a first position wherein eachof said plurality of micro-plugs is seated flush within a respective oneof said plurality of said perforations to a second position wherein eachof said plurality of micro-plugs is at least partially removed from awall of said respective one of said plurality of perforations; and avibrator in communication with at least one of said plate and saidplurality of micro-plugs.
 2. An electronically controlled scentproducing element according to claim 1, wherein said plurality ofmicro-plugs seated in said first position prevents the flow of saidvolatile scent liquid from said first face of said plate to said secondface of said plate.
 3. An electronically controlled scent producingelement according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality ofmicro-plugs exhibits a generally conically shaped taper towards said tipend.
 4. An electronically controlled scent producing element accordingto claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of perforations are generallyconically shaped, the base of said generally conically shaped pluralityof perforations facing the base end of said plurality of micro-plugs. 5.An electronically controlled scent producing element according to claim3, wherein said each of said plurality of perforations exhibits adiameter of about 30 microns at said second face.
 6. An electronicallycontrolled scent producing element according to claim 1, wherein saidplurality of micro-plugs exhibits a shape arranged to form a ring shapeddroplet towards said tip ends when said plurality of micro-plugs inrelation to said plate is in said second position.
 7. An electronicallycontrolled scent producing element according to claim 1, wherein saidtranslation mechanism and said vibrator are constituted of a singlepiezoelectric element.
 8. An electronically controlled scent producingelement according to claim 1, wherein said vibrator is only incommunication with said plurality of micro-plugs.
 9. An electronicallycontrolled scent producing element according to claim 8, furthercomprising a driver in communication with said translation mechanism andsaid vibrator, said driver arranged to translate, via said translationmechanism, said plurality of micro-plugs to said first position andvibrate said vibrator while said plurality of micro-plugs are in saidfirst position, thereby ultrasonically cleaning said second face of saidplate and said tip ends of said plurality of micro-plugs.
 10. Anelectronically controlled scent producing element according to claim 1,further comprising a driver in communication with said translationmechanism and said vibrator, said driver arranged to translate, via saidtranslation mechanism, said plurality of micro-plugs to said secondposition and vibrate said vibrator while said plurality of micro-plugsare in said second position, thereby atomizing said volatile scentliquid.
 11. An electronically controlled scent producing elementaccording to claim 10, wherein said driver is further arranged to detectan electrical characteristic of said vibrator, and in the event saidelectrical characteristic meets a predetermined value, output a signalindicative of the absence of said volatile scent liquid.
 12. A method ofelectronically controlled scent production, the method comprising:providing a plate exhibiting a plurality of perforations extending froma first face of said provided plate to a second face of said providedplate opposing said first face; providing a volatile scent liquid inphysical contact with said first face of said provided plate; providinga plurality of micro-plugs juxtaposed with said provided plate, each ofsaid provided plurality of micro-plugs extending longitudinally from abase end to a tip end, and arranged to mate with one of said pluralityof perforations; translating said provided plurality of micro-plugs inrelation to said provided plate from a first position wherein each ofsaid provided plurality of micro-plugs is seated flush within arespective one of said plurality of perforations to a second positionwherein each of said provided plurality of micro-plugs is at leastpartially removed from a wall of said respective one of said pluralityof perforations; and vibrating at least one of said provided plate andsaid provided plurality of micro-plugs with ultrasonic energy to therebyproduce a scent.
 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein saidprovided plurality of micro-plugs seated in said first position preventsthe flow of said provided volatile scent liquid from said first face ofsaid provided plate to said second face of said provided plate.
 14. Amethod according to claim 12, wherein each of said provided plurality ofmicro-plugs exhibits a generally conically shaped taper towards said tipend.
 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein each of said pluralityof perforations are generally conically shaped, the base of saidprovided generally conically shaped plurality of perforations facing thebase end of said provided plurality of micro-plugs.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 14, wherein said each of said plurality ofperforations exhibits a diameter of about 30 microns at said secondface.
 17. A method according to claim 12, wherein said translating andsaid vibrating are performed by a single piezoelectric element.
 18. Amethod according to claim 12, wherein said vibrating is only of saidprovided plurality of micro-plugs.
 19. A method according to claim 18,further comprising: ultrasonically cleaning said second face of saidplate and said tip ends of said provided plurality of micro-plugs bytranslating said provided plurality of micro-plugs to said firstposition and vibrating said provided plurality of micro-plugs in saidfirst position.
 20. A method according to claim 12, wherein saidvibrating is accomplished by a vibrator, and further comprising:automatically detecting an electrical characteristic of said vibrator;and in the event said electrical characteristic meets a predeterminedvalue, outputting a signal indicative of the absence of said providedvolatile scent liquid.
 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein saidvibrating is at a frequency associated with the natural resonantfrequency of said vibrator and said vibrated at least one of saidprovided plate and said provided plurality of micro-plugs.
 22. A methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising forming ring shaped dropletstowards said tip ends when said provided plurality of micro-plugs inrelation to said provided plate is translated to said second position.23. An ultrasonic micro-plug based nebulizer comprising: a plateexhibiting a plurality of perforations extending from a first face ofsaid plate to a second face of said plate opposing said first face; aplurality of micro-plugs juxtaposed with said plate, each of saidplurality of micro-plugs extending longitudinally from a base end to atip end, and arranged to mate with one of said plurality ofperforations; a translation mechanism in communication with one of saidplate and said plurality of micro-plugs, said translation mechanismarranged to translate said plurality of micro-plugs in relation to saidplate from a first position wherein each of said plurality ofmicro-plugs is seated flush within a respective one of said plurality ofsaid perforations to a second position wherein each of said plurality ofmicro-plugs is at least partially removed from a wall of said respectiveone of said plurality of perforations; and a vibrator in communicationwith at least one of said plate and said plurality of micro-plugs.